Norton Police Department Awarded Certification Status

On Oct. 18, Norton Police Department was the 58th in the state to receive state certification from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission.

 Certification is an evaluation process by which police departments strive to meet and maintain standards that have been established for the profession by the profession. These selected standards reflect critical areas of police management, operation and technical support activities. They cover areas such as policy development, emergency response planning, training, communications, property and evidence handling, use of force, vehicular pursuit, prisoner transportation and holding facilities. The program not only sets standards for the law enforcement profession, but also for the delivery of police service. 

 During July and August, command staff from outside agencies conducted an assessment of the Norton Police Department as part of the certification process.

 “Achieving Certification from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission is considered a very significant accomplishment and is a recognition that is highly regarded by the law enforcement community,” said Donna Taylor Mooers, the commission’s executive director.

 Going through this assessment process there was department wide effort and support. The department accreditation manager is Lt. Todd Jackson. 

 Certification has been granted for a period of three years.